Mazda's Green Ambition
Exploring the new SKYACTIV technology that Mazda will be introducing into its production vehicles over the next few years, Jeremy Thompson said, “Mazda’s ambition to cut its emissions and fuel use by 30% before 2015 will be achieved mainly through increased efficiency of petrol and diesel engines under its new SKYACTIV technology banner, rather than through moves to hybrid or electric vehicles.”
He adds, “The drivetrain, body and chassis engineering developments, consisting of a whole series of small changes to every element of the vehicle, will filter through to the market on the production of the Minagi concept early next year, which is a small crossover SUV to sit below the CX-7 off-roader in the range. Mazda is aiming for sub-120g/km emissions from the 2.2-litre diesel, which Thompson branded ‘pretty astonishing for that segment’.”
As Mazda looks to improve on the efficiency of the internal combustion engines before making the jump to hybrid and electric vehicles, “The quest to optimise petrol and diesel engines will lead to the next generation Mazda6 being offered with emissions of around 105g/km.” In the interview, Thompson adds, “We’re far from denialists – EVs and hybrids will have their time and place.”
